NEW DELHI: After almost two years, the Indian job market is showing signs of improvement as more than half of the companies surveyed said they are currently on a hiring mode, according to search and selection specialist Antal International.

There has been a significant upsurge in the hiring activities as 52 per cent of companies are recruiting new staff at the moment, while 60 per cent are looking to do so in the near future.

"Faster economic growth, investor-friendly and a more focused Government are seen as reasons behind this positive outcome," the report said.

The survey further noted that not only hiring but firing rates have also increased considerably during the last three months. The percentage of Indian businesses shedding managers is 22 per cent and is likely to stay the same in the coming quarter, the 16th Antal Global Snapshot report said.

"Compared to our last hiring survey and what is being seen, there has been an upsurge is hiring activity at the managerial levels," Antal International Network India Managing Director Joseph Devasia said.

There is a more measured approach to recruitment from Indian businesses, as organisations look to develop the managerial and professional talent, the report said.

Sectors like e-commerce, real estate, consumer goods have reported the highest percentage of current hiring as nearly all of those questioned reported they were currently taking on staff in these sectors. Demand in these areas is expected to increase in the next quarter.

Other sectors that are faring well in terms of current hiring include healthcare, chemical, IT -- software and packaging. retail, which is currently hiring at 48 per cent is expected to go up to 75 per cent in the next quarter.

Chemicals sector which is hiring at 58 per cent is expected to boost hiring at managerial level in the next three months (71 per cent). The manufacturing sector, which is facing a tough time at the moment also showed signs of improvement with 56 per cent companies likely to hire.

Consumer led sectors like ecommerce, FMCG, durables and related industries are buoyant. Some near sectors like logistics and packaging that support ecommerce are also seeing a huge spurt in growth. This does mean, talent shortage will be the big discussion point in board rooms, he added.
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